What Is The Difference Between Swing Check and Spring Check Valve

Today, let’s break down two popular choices: Swing Check Valves and Spring Check Valves. We’ll cover how they work, where they’re used, and which one might be better for your business.

Swing Check Valve – The Classic Flapper

Imagine a tiny door inside your pipe that swings open when water flows forward and slams shut when the flow reverses. That’s your swing check valve.

Good Stuff:Super simple and reliable.Perfect for wide pipes.Works great in steady-flow systems.Fewer parts = easy to maintain

Watch Out:Can’t be used vertically.Slow to close = higher chance of water hammer.Needs space to swing open

Great For: Water treatment, fire systems, big pipeline setups

Spring Check Valve – Fast & Flexible

Now picture a spring pushing the valve closed every time water stops. That’s the spring check valve—a quick-reacting, compact alternative.

Good Stuff:Can be used horizontally or vertically!Closes fast = less chance of water hammer.Great for tight spaces

Watch Out:Slight pressure loss due to the spring.More moving parts = might need more maintenance

Great For: Pumps, HVAC, air compressors, and tight spots where flow can be sudden

Quick Comparison

So…Which Should You Choose

Go swing if:You’ve got big pipes and room to spare.Flow is steady and predictable

Go spring if:You need compact, flexible placement.Your system stops/starts a lot (like with pumps)

At I-Flow, we stock both valve types in cast iron, stainless steel, and brass—ready for fast delivery worldwide. Not sure what you need? Just ask us!